Pilgrimages and
During this
special year of Vocations, pondering on all our various vocations in life and
the missions in life that God has given us, we hear from Carrie Enright, of her experience in
On
Next morning,
after prayer and some breakfast, we went to the hospital where the sick were
very chatty for an
The following
morning, after Mass, we took them to do the Lower Stations of the Cross and
after lunch , we set off for the Baths. For those who
didn’t feel able to use the Baths, there were taps containing the same water.
On the last night,
we organised a party in the hospital – songs were sung, music played, waltzes
danced. It was very enjoyable for everyone. Even Fr. Tom extended his strict
curfew hours on that night to a little later than usual.
The trip was
fulfilling for everyone. I would like to thank the organisers, our priests and
the parish for making it possible. The memories, I will cherish forever; the friendships
will last forever and my faith is stronger than ever!
Carrie Enright
__________________________________________________________
Sarah Hanrahan tells us of her experience as a helper in the same
Pilgrimage to
On June 26th , I was privileged to be one of the 45 youth
leaders heading to
On arrival at the
Mediterranean Hotel, we were welcomed by our youth director, Fr. Tom Ryan, who
was very helpful and encouraging over the five days. We got acquainted with the
other youth helpers who soon became life long friends.
We set off to the
Grotto and none of us were prepared for what we were about to encounter. There
were crowds everywhere, from every part of the world. Different cultures,
beliefs and indeed different problems. I had never seen such crowds before in
my life. People were queuing for hours to be able to go in around the Grotto,
to touch the stone where Our Lady appeared, in the hope of getting some comfort
for whatever problems they may have been experiencing. It was obvious that Our
Lady played a big part in their lives.
When we attended
Mass with the other Diocesan Pilgrims, I was amazed to see how many people had
travelled from our diocese and indeed to see so many familiar faces. It almost
felt like home away from home!
Each morning, we
had a time for prayer and to prepare for our day’s work. We were then brought
to meet the sick, who were staying at the hospital. We got to know so many of
them and we enjoyed their company just as much as they enjoyed ours. They sat
waiting in their buggies which we pulled behind us all the time, chatting,
laughing and telling stories. We brought them to Mass and then to the Grotto,
where they sat for a while to pray and light candles. They were also brought in
around the Grotto, where many of them rubbed off the walls, cloths or Rosary
Beads, which they would bring home. Later in the evening, we took part in the
candle light procession around the Grotto, each holding a candle and praying.
It was a spectacular sight to stand on the high ramps and look down on the
crowds of people, each there for their own reason.
The next morning,
we took them to the Stations of the Cross and then to the Baths. Many of the
pilgrims went in to experience the Baths themselves. The staff
here were very helpful and at all times professional in their duties.
For those who didn’t want to go into the Baths, there were taps with the same
water in them outside and the priests blessed each person with this water.
On the last day,
we each got a chance to light a special candle for all our intentions. A large
Candle blessed by Bishop Willie Walsh was also placed in the stand for the intentions
of all the Killaloe pilgrims.
That night, a
party was organised by the staff at the hospital and we sang and danced, all
the time being led by the Kilkee Choir who were with
us throughout the trip. Great craic was had by all
and it was wonderful to see everyone taking part in the fun.
For everyone in
the trip, it was a life changing experience. A lot of what seemed like major
problems, instantly seem so small when you see what
some pilgrims endure every day. It makes one look at life in a totally
different perspective. I would like to thank our priests, the organisers and
the parish for making it possible for me to go on this trip. The memories and
friendships we have will be with us forever and with these our beliefs will
continue to grow.
Sarah Hanrahan
_________________________________________________________
Continuing with the theme
of mission and vocation -
Emilie Kirwan recalls
her trip to World Youth Day in
World Youth Day
2008 in
The Saturday of
WYD was the most exiting. We gathered in Randwich
Racecourse along with approximately 500,000 other pilgrims and awaited the
Pope’s arrival for the evening
Emilie Kirwan
__________________________________________________________
Mission Sunday gives us a chance to
reflect on the Church’s mission worldwide. Nicola Honan
tells us of her experience of bringing students to
Mission Zambia Rockford Manor Presentation
Secondary School, Blackrock, Co.
As a presentation
school we were fortunate to get the opportunity to participate in the
Presentation Global Education Project for the first time. This is a project
developed jointly by three Irish Provinces of the Presentation Sisters in
collaboration with Presentation Sisters in mission provinces. This project
offers senior students in Presentation schools an opportunity to experience
life in a country from the developing world alongside Presentation Sisters and
their co-workers. In May 2008, nine carefully selected fifth year students along with three teachers visited Kaoma in the western
Prior to our visit
a huge fundraising effort was undertaken by the entire school community.
Fundraising activities included Bag Packing, Christmas Raffle, Carol Service,
Teachers v Students basketball game. Furthermore, each class in the school also
undertook responsibility of a mini fundraising activity. Many voluntary
donations were also made. Finally, each student who travelled contributed €200
which they had ‘worked for’ e.g. chores, part-time job etc. In total, we raised €32,500. The
selected students spent one hour every week after school after Christmas
preparing for their trip e.g. creating lesson plans in English Maths, Geography
and History and collected art resources but more importantly, learning what to
do with them!!!
During our time in
Kaoma both the students and teachers taught in two
different schools and cared and played with children in 3 different orphanages.
All three orphanages and one school have been established by an inspiring
Tipperary woman, Sr. Molly, who recently received a President’s Award for her
contribution in this Zambian town for over 20 years. Besides teaching we shared
music, song and dance and went to watch a local soccer game, by way of cultural
exchanges. We had the opportunity to attend Mass, which lasted over two hours. But time flies when you’re having fun! This
celebration was enriched with Zambian music, dance and spiritual generosity.
During our visit
we had the opportunity to visit many community projects, including home base
centres. Home base centres provide a variety of medical, emotional and
practical advice to those affected by HIV/AIDS, which is a huge issue in
On reflection the
trip exposed me to unique experiences which will enrich my life both
professionally and personally.
Professionally,
through working with the Presentation Sisters in Zambia I was carrying on the
light of Nano Nagle (foundress)
and ultimately continuing her mission of ‘educating the poor’ in a world where
the gap between rich and poor, grows ever wider and complex, but also in a
world where such significant missionary work is now in the hands of the lay
people of our religious communities, particularly the youth, our future adults
who will go on like others in the past to tell ‘the story’.
Personally, the
trip was a emotional rollercoaster, a rollercoaster
ride which perhaps experience not words can equate with. During my two week
visit to
_______________________________________________________